Durcan A and Leech M, The impact of dose to the salivary apparatus on quality of life in patients treated with IMRT for head and neck cancer. , Radiotherapy and Oncology, 3rd ESTRO Forum, Barcelona, Spain, 24-28 April 2015, 115, (S(1)), Elsevier, 2015, ppS82 - S83Conference Paper, 2015

Durcan A and Leech M, The impact of dose to the salivary glands on quality of life in patients treated with IMRT for head and neck cancer, HSE Health and Social Care Professions' Research Conference, Dublin, April 16th 2015, 2015Poster, 2015

Research Expertise

Projects

The development of educational videos for RTs. This video is in relation to patient positioning and immobilisation in the head and neck region.

Funding Agency

EU

Date From

2010

Date To

2012

Title

Impact of dose to pharyngeal constrictor muscles and salivary glands on late effects in head and neck radiotherapy

Summary

This project investigates the impact of various dosimetric endpoints of the pharyngeal constrictor muscles on dysphagia in head and neck patients. Evaluation of dose to the parotid and submandibular glands is also analysed to ascertain effect on xerostomia.

Funding Agency

IIRRT

Date From

2009

Date To

2011

Title

'Evaluation of Factors influencing the Set-up error in Head and Neck Radiotherapy: A Prospective Analysis'.

Summary

Failure to deliver the prescribed dose to the tumour volume and its microscopic extension in head and neck cancer results in lower cure rates in radiotherapy. Therefore, it is essential to quantify and possibly reduce patient set-up errors during treatment. It is imperative that individual institutions quantify their own set-up errors in head and neck radiotherapy and implement appropriate correction protocols. Smaller set-up errors can be followed by a reduction of the margin for set-up uncertainty, which leads to improved sparing of organs at risk. The application of small margins around the tumour is particularly important for head and neck radiotherapy because of the proximity of dose-limiting critical organs.